Helping Honduras

The reasons I’m so attached to this amazing country are too numerous to write. Yet, as it’s my correspondent task for this month, I shall sit here + try my best. I hope you have a super sweet coffee or baleada to hand because it’s gonna be a long one.

2 years ago I’d never heard of Honduras. I wasn’t actually aware of its existence as a country. Yet somehow I here I am: a temporary resident here. My journey with Project Trust began with an email sent around my year of a list of options for Gap Years. I’d honestly never really considered a gap year, as my plan was always to go to University. However, the previous week I’d had a discussion with my best bud about gap years and honestly the idea of not studying for a year sounded appealing. Only one option stuck out to me, and it was the 1st link I clicked on (though I promise I read the others). I was taken to a website about having the opportunity to teach abroad for a year. For me, this was so much more appealing then my other option: to work for 6 months then travel. Here I’d actually be helping other people, and feeling like I had purpose to the year. I clicked through to Latin America + this little country will a blue flag caught my attention. Honduras.

The rest is history. I went to a talk Project did at my college, sent through an application (+ told my parents about it later) then ended up travelling to Coll for my selection course. During my final interview I was asked what country I wanted to go to. I replied (supposedly this is a bit unique) that I thought Project should decide that, as I’d never been to any of these countries. My slightly surprised interviewer understood where I was coming from but asked if I had to pick, what would it be? Honduras was the country I said + Honduras is the country I came to. I’ve never looked back.

^1st partner picture in Honduras💙

~Honduras~

This country is my favourite in the world. I know: there’s political problems, there’s social problems + heck, there’s even the fact water + power aren’t amazingly consistent. Even with this, I believe this country still has so much to offer.

Food: This is essential. Food has not only been super enjoyable for us in the fact it tastes amazing but also a way we’ve formed friendships, explored our area + had rather hilarious experiences. We’ve tried some rather interesting things (pig skin soup, for example) as well as some delicious things (basically 90% of Honduran food) with every corn product possible (atole, tamales + of course tortillas). You may not like refried beans, salty cheese or sour cream when you come here (we certainly didn’t) but by the end it’s all you’ll want – I promise. One of our favourite activities is finding new comedors where we get to chat with locals + try super tasty food😋 shoutout to plantain which is my new fave thing!

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It’s crazy to think that only around 6 months ago I’d never heard of Baleadas. We eat these everyday for snack (as our gringa versions are cheap to make) + they still remain one of my favourite foods!

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I’m not gonna lie, snacks are a big part of my life. Paletas, charamuscas, chocobananos… all cheap, all accessible + all SUPER yummy!

Travel: So far I’ve been lucky enough to see parts of Costa Rica, Belize and of course Honduras. No matter what people say, about Central America being dangerous to travel, as long you’re sensible it’s fine. We’ve honestly had nothing but good experiences + been able to have some truly breathtaking experiences. My favourite parts have been witnessing a sunrise in Placencia, banana boating, Copan Ruins and the perfect week in Costa Rica with my family. You get the chance to see completely different areas, people and cultures which I wouldn’t trade for the world.

People: Besides the cat calling (of which there is much) the people here are so wonderful. One example of this that really sums it up is we were once wandering around town (probably on our 1st week or 2) attempting to find this supermarket. Admitting to ourselves we were lost we began asking for directions. One woman we asked kindly decided to walk us to the place, chatting all the way. She figured we were ALCS teachers + was so sweet! Another time we were on cardboard duty as a favour for a friend + were searching to pick some up. We went into a hardware store (funnily enough owned by a parent) who happily gave us some. The woman we buy bananas off, whose family have inquired about jobs at our school due to their situation, always throws in some free ones. We’ve been given free chocobanaos, free charamuscas + more. Even the people here who have nothing are more willing to share than people in the UK who have everything. My final example is that whilst my mum was here we had to head to another hardware store for stuff to deblock the sink as well as a light bulb. The really lovely owner got chatting to us + introduced us to her daughter who speaks almost perfect English. We ended up exchanging numbers + making plans to meet for coffee. I love this country! Honestly, there is a sense of community + goodwill here I don’t think I’ve felt anywhere else.

Just some of our wonderful friends here:

Opportunities: One big reason why I picked Honduras was for the Spanish, as well as the fact it was a country I genuinely thought I could help. Here’s actually a blog I wrote about why I picked this country: https://helpcharlottehelphonduras.wordpress.com/2017/02/13/why-honduras/. Thanks to our Honduran friends, most of whom do not speak English, I’ve been forced to learn more Spanish. This has been so good for me because although I’m not where I should be I’m at least making improvements. I loved this language anyways, due to my spanish family, but now it’s become an even bigger part of my life! So, you can pick up another language. You can also genuinely feel like your making a difference. There’s nothing quite like that feeling when you’re helping a kid + suddenly you see that they get it. Or, when a kid that struggles did better on a test than you thought they would. These all feel like very adult, teachery things but if I’m completely honest I think one of the biggest opportunities is just getting the chance to get to know the kids here. Mine are all such rays of sunshine, that genuinely brighten my day with their comments/actions/constant love. You get a unique chance to see your kids grow, discover new things + have fun which is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. Honduran kids may be a whole lot of crazy at times but they are also a whole lot of love too.

Climate: if you’re looking for tropical, Honduras has that. If you’re looking for coast, Honduras has that. If you’re looking for mountains, hey, Honduras has that too. One thing I love about it here is the vast variety, each time we travel it’s different weather, different views + this just leads to falling in love with lots of different parts of the country. Above all, if you’re looking for natural beauty, it’s in this country in abundance. I will certainly miss the amount of trees we’re treated to here (that’s no joke).

Traditions: Honduras is rich in culture. We’ve been lucky enough to see Independence Day + there’s fiesta typica coming up next week that I’m also pumped for. Honduras go all out at events: LOADS of food, beautiful big dresses with sides that can be fully extended + lots of street decorations. I’ve witnessed parades, marching bands, markets, traditional dances + more. The people here are wonderful + just have so much to share with you if you want to see it. Things to remember are it’s rude to decline food (think Big Fat Greek Wedding), nothing is ever on time + little is organised well. However, if you ever need help, it’s a Hondurans door you should knock on.

~Yam~<

I’ve now raved about Honduras as a whole for ages but I knew this blog wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t talk about my home. Yamaranguila. Not even for a second would I wish to be placed anywhere else.

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Yamaranguila. My favourite place in the world. Not only do I feel completely settled into the area, I have a second family here. We are so ridciously close to one Honduran family here that it’s not just like having neighbours. It’s genuinely like having some more siblings, some more aunts, even some more parents. Hondurans are very protective + they are always looking out for us, whether that’s dropping food into school/inviting us round when there’s no power, giving us lifts, taking me to Teguc, helping with little issues like my ripped pants, not letting me go into town alone.. We’ve had the chance to form a truly amazing bond that I wouldn’t have ever experience had it not been for this year.

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It’s not just the family. We knew we had the best project (well, it’s the truth) before we became so close with them. Yam offers a tranquil, safe village with the bonus of a little town only 20 minutes away that hosts everything you need. When we feel like we need time alone, we stay in Yam, when we feel we need something more, we head to La Esperanza. We’re in the mountains and are always treated to ace views of sunrises/sunsets as well as lightning in rainy season. It’s an absolutely beautiful place to call home.

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Giselle + I totally love veggies, which is no understatement. Our neighbours are in disbelief about the quantity of bags we lug home everyday Saturday from town. Plantains, sweet potatoes, papaya, carrots, broccoli, peppers, green beans, tomatoes, mandarins + much more. One of my favourite parts about the city is the fact we have such a huge choices of places to buy this food. There are 3 main markets (one that’s absolutely huge + the cheapest so although it’s a bit of a walk we don’t mind) so we have a massive choice on offer. This area is known for its markets + it’s just another one of the things I really appreciate about life here.

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I absolutely love my life here. Every day is different, there’s always something new going on + we genuinely have a second home here. I don’t like to think about returning to the UK but when I do I know there’s always a place for me in Honduras 🙂

Adiós from a little blue house in Yamaranguila,

Charlotte

Breath of Fresh Air

The beating of my heart matches the pounding of my footsteps as we puff our way up the hill. Both panting, we struggle on, not wanting to walk. Eventually this break is much needed so we pull out an earplug each to chat. After a long 1st week back this is the perfect way to de-stress.

We round a corner; suddenly it’s all worth it for the view. The sun is beginning to set beyond the mountains with it’s beams being dispersed across the valley, reflecting off pine trees on the way. Admiration is in order. This breathtaking beauty spurs us on + we commence running once again. As we reach our halfway mark we slow down to drink in the moment. Cars race past us, too close for comfort in some cases, and I sigh as we begin to head home.

On my left lies a humongous football pitch, a mixture of mud and grass, clearly functionable as boys race around it in the evening glow. The way before us is illuminated by golden dusk. Ahead the road looks fresher, the trees more vibrant + I wonder how it is I get to live here.

We finish the run as the red sphere burns brightly behind the mountain, dipping lower + lower. A pure natural spectacle like this is sure to energise you. I sprint the final bend + straight to our little blue home, only stopping once this destination is reached. My soul is ignited by the sun (although there’s an uncomfortable burn in my lungs I know all too well by now).

I manage to begin breathing again + smile. Soon there will be another run, another sunset, another perfect workout. I can’t wait.

Sometimes life passes so quickly you don’t have time to sit back + appreciate the fact you’re living. Sometimes I’m so busy I don’t even register how lucky I am to be living here. And sometimes all we need is to get out, to have a breath of fresh air + remember that, in reality, this moment is all that really matters.

A bit of a deep blog (apologies) from a little blue house in Yamaranguila,

Charlotte

ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

~ New Years Resolutions 2018 ~

Celebrating the New Year in my new country was pretty epic to say the least. Our time here so far has been nothing short of incredible + I’m so so glad we still have 7 months left. Although life here may be perfect, I’m definitely not. This New Year calls for me to make some changes just so I can really get the most out of this experience. Are we ready? Here we go!

1. SPANISH. I know, I live in a country where this is the freakin’ language + though I’ve improved, I’ll be honest, I’m no where near as good as I should be. Having so many Honduran friends here really does help; buuut I still have a long way to go with this one. So, I’m gonna get back into doing Duolingo daily, updating my book of Spanish + really making more of an effort to speak. If this was school, I’d be acing my listening skills but let’s be honest: I need to be able to reply too. Even though sometimes it’s super embarrassing because I say something totally wrong.

2. HEALTH. You’d think we’re super healthy here, given the fact we eat a lot of veggies + no processed food. However, one of the 1st things my mum + brother said to me when they saw me was “oh, you’ve put on some weight” + I guess that’s sorta true. So, I’ll be getting back into running + doing more workouts in these months. I’ll also be laying off the carbs (crying at my lack of tortillas right now) + actually thinking about how many chocobanaos + paletas I pile away each week – too many.

3. READING. One book I downloaded on my kindle for this year was War + Peace seeing as I’d just learnt about it in the pleasure that was British Warfare. So far, I’m 42% through which isn’t too shabby, considering the book is waaay too complex for me to even comprehend some parts, but my aim was to finish it + that I will. In my defence, I read a bunch of other books whilst procrastinating this one but now I’ve decided it’s serious. We’re gonna read War + Peace.

4. PATIENCE. This is something I definitely worked on loads in the previous 5 months because it super important when teaching. Especially with my little buds who can sometimes drive me crazy, but whom I love anyways. Still, there’s always room for improvement! So I’ll be really trying my best this year not to let small things in the class get to me + to make sure I’m always treating each kid as the wonderful little persons they are.

2017 was a blast + so I know it can only get better in 2018! Here’s to a year full of crazy adventures: of teaching, travelling + even (though it pains me a bit to write it) becoming a Law student at University.

Hoping this year treats everyone well, love from a little blue house in Yamaranguila,

Charlotte

New Year, New Blog

~ 5 Months ~

I want to cry at the idea that we are nearly halfway through this incredible adventure. Life continues to amaze me + it’s hard to imagine us being happier anywhere else.

It has been a super busy month with us genuinely being all over the place, hence the large amount of Travel Tales I’ve posted recently.

For now let’s go back a while… at the beginning of our 5th month here our neighbours invited us to a birthday party in La Esperanza. It was for a little 5 year old girl + was super cute! With so much freakin’ food, I was ended up being stuffed: tacos, fries, cake, sweets + more.

As you can see, it was a little cold but we enjoyed the night nonetheless. There was music so we danced with the kiddies, lots of pictures (Giselle was the “official photographer”) a piñata which we ended up swinging on + the opening of the presents. Shutout to those tacos for being one of the most incredible things I’ve ever tasted. Ever.

The weather here changes drastically every week + sometimes even during the day. That week was a particularly cold one meaning some days I came to school in a thermal, shirt, jumper, fleece, coat, hat + gloves + proceeded to teach in all of this gear for the whole day. The bonus is that the kiddies all come in sporting super cute hats, which always makes for adorable pictures:

On the last week of school there was lots going on (read https://helpcharlottehelphonduras.wordpress.com/2017/12/17/the-one-about-christmas/ for more) including a fair in Yam – very seasonal given the cold. Giselle, I + some of the kids went to this one night where there were loads of cute fireworks, stalls, games (even gambling which apparently is legal here) as well as a sort of mini museum all about Yamaranguila. This was super interesting + filled with inspiration quotes, such as:

By far, the most exciting thing that happened that week was my mum’s arrival in Yamaranguila. This felt pretty weird seeing as we’d been use to live here for 4 months + suddenly there was a bit of England there too but I absolutely loved it.

As is typical of me, I set a good example of how we live by leaving both the money for the taxi + the key for the house safely in my house.. this led to a visit to the neighbours for the spare key to sort this all out. What a welcome! We were then invited for a plate of scrumptious Honduran food which was a much better welcome for my Mumma. Amazingly, there was a band from San Pedro playing in Yam Park so the whole family went + us kids had a little dance session. It was so funky!!

Mum was in school with me the next day for our final day of term, previously mentioned in my Christmas blog. Then, we were invited in for tortillas con quesillo with the neighbours (super rico) + headed off to the waterfall with our friend, one of their older sons. It was ace to actually be able to take my mum to places I’d raved about some much + let her try the scrummy food available here – such as chocobanaos (my love).

The next day we headed into La Esperanza for a bit of thrifting, exploring + picking up Megan + Rachel. Then all of us went to a comedor for lunch, blueberry for smoothies (por supuesto) + to the lookout which was beautifully decorated with a Christmas tree.

Then it was time for a nearly tear-jerking goodbye with Giselle at 5:30 the next morning before my mumma + I took on Teguc. I did feel pretty incomplete without my buddy but proceeded to have an incredible 2 weeks, especially since I got to see my family.

I was granted one extra day here with my mum + so we bussed to La Esperanza. It was a day of exploring, buying some bits (veggies + fruit as well as completely restocking our pantry, super huge thanks mumma!!) + even getting treated to lunch at an incredible restaurant. The meal actually cost £10 in British terms (doesn’t seem like a lot) but for us here this was literally royal treatment. Plus it was all Honduran so my mum got to experience her last taste of the wonderful food here!

Of course, we were invited to play Bingo with the kids that night (their latest obsession) before getting a relatively early night. Then it was time to say goodbye. Our time together simply flew by but the boys + I reluctantly got mum to the terminal in La Esperanza.

The first goodbye at Heathrow was a lot harder, but this one still killed me. Although, I felt better knowing my mum had seen where I’d live, seen I was safe + met my Honduran friends. The boys were there to comfort me + we then proceeded to spend the whole morning together in town. This involved paletas, going to the lookout, running errands for them + even a visit to the Baños Públicos. We’ve been told many a time this area isn’t particularly safe + not to go, but apparently “nada pasa” when you’re with catrachos!

I didn’t snap too many pictures as the place is nortoriuous for having robbers but it was basically a sort of waterfall going into a murky pool. Around this were little walkways, benches + a bridge leading to a lookout. Obviously, I had to do something embarrassing which this time entailed me laughing too hard (who’d have guessed?) + getting my pants caught on the wooden side, thus, ripping them. Woo! The boys found this rather hilarious (as did I).

We headed back to Yam where I was awkwardly invited in for lunch whilst I was getting a little upset on my bed. Then I hung out with the kids, showing the pictures I have up in my room. Randomly, during this I was invited to Teguc… hence my 2nd big trip there.

On Saturday, once safe back in Yam, I decided to be productive + clean the house + wash all of our towels + bedsheets – never again. After a quick English lesson it was time to pack up + get back on the road again – this time to Comayagua.

On our return to Yam we stopped off at La Fuente for Baleadas – a very catracha New Years indeed! These were super yummy + definitely filled the hole of hunger we all had. As there were no buses we made the decision to hitchhike.

I’ll pause here whilst I imagine my family begin freaking out. I should point out this was not our 1st experience hitchhiking in La Esperanza as we had been forced to do it once before. Giselle + I are super sensible + honestly I only felt comfortable because our neighbours said it was okay to do it (plus the driver was a very old Honduran so not a threat). The 1st time was with 2 older American girls who work at the girls home. As there were no problems with this + we didn’t have much other option we took our position on the side of the road. Thankfully, a family drove by + helped us out (+ were SUPER slow drivers) so we had a peaceful trip back watching the sunset.

Once back in Yam we obviously had to say hi to the family; who invited us to spend New Years with them. New Years was a night of tamales + LOTS more food, games, chatting + happiness. I’m extremely grateful to be getting the chance to be spending half of 2018 in my favourite place – Honduras. The best part of the night, by far, was when it started closing in on midnight + our crazy family started a bonfire right outside the front door. Add fireworks into the equation + you have 4 worries gringas. Luckily nothing happened – although everyone sprinted inside when a firework was placed on the fire! Then we had a huge family prayer, standing in a large circle all holding hands which was so sweet. I’m so so thankful for this family.

Afterwards us girls did sparklers + then proceeded to dance on our moonlit roof until early morning.

As if we hadn’t treated Megan + Rachel to enough Yam fun the next day we were invited to hop in the truck with the neighbours. We had no idea where we were bound but hey, that’s life here! We ended up at a football pitch we’d never been to before with an ace view of surrounding pine forests + mountains. We started 2018 with many games of football + Honduran food -what else? It was such an ace morning!

^also had the honour of meeting this adorable dog whilst in the truck 🙂

Then, because apparently we love exercise, we took them on the beautiful venture that is is seeing the Yam waterfall. Cue lots of pictures + spending some time admiring the beauty of this area as well as chocobanaos, because obviously they are life. That evening was again spent with the wonderful neighbours with tamales for us (+ baleadas we bought Meggie the Veggie) as well as some rounds of UNO.

The next day was the last day of the holidays so we sadly said our goodbyes to the girls, bought some veggies + headed home. We still had no WiFi (big detox of this) so when Daniel told me school was cancelled the next day + showed me the post on Facebook I freaked out. Extra day of holidays!! It certainly called for a party 🙂

I can’t lie, it felt a little weird to be returning to school but now we’re back into the swing of things. I really did miss my kiddies + though the holidays were super fun whilst they lasted, it’s good have to have structure back in my life.

For our 5 month anniversary we went thrifting + out for lunch (of course) which saw me buying a jumper for 15L (woo!) then eating incredibly tasty soup. Go Honduras!

I also headed back to the orthadontist + am now the proud owner of a more normal mouth! I don’t have a coil + I have all my teeth! Exciting days ahead for my braces 🙂

Be expecting more interesting blogs heading your way soon before I have to write the 6 month blog (woo!).

That’s all for now though, from a little blue house in Yamaranguila,

Charlotte

Ps. That’s right! We got back from school the other day + the neighbours have painted the house the most beautiful blue 🙂 very proud + happy to call this place home!

Travel Tales #8 – Comagyagua

• Comagyagua, Honduras

• Hours travelled: 2 hours by bus

• Distance travelled: 112.6km

• Transport: bus life

• Rating: 5.5

This will be the last Travel Tales for a while + thus wraps up my travelling at Christmas.

I was taken to La Esperanza by one of the neighbour’s older sons who kindly dropped me off at the Terminal. Here I met Megan, Rachel + Giselle, fresh from their travels in Guatemala (highly recommend you check out). There was lots of hugging + chatting especially on the bus to Comayagua. Of course, when this bus dropped us off we weren’t too sure where we were nor what the city was like. Thus, it was time for a taxi – woo! We were dropped at our hotel + I enjoyed some WiFi after a detox for a good few days. Then we attempted to go out for food but we weren’t anticipating the fact that only 2 places would be open + they’d both be expensive. One was only a meat place (no good for the veggie of the group Megan) so we headed for pupusas which were very yummy.

After asking the hotel about the area + discovering it wasn’t too safe at night we weren’t too comfortable with staying. This was made worse by the fact there’d be no buses home on Monday, so we’d have had to stay 2 days. With this in mind, we stayed up watching Giselle’s wonderful dance routine + chatting more before hitting the hay.

I’d rate the hotel a solid 6 out of 10, for good WiFi + beds, just the loudest + most difficult toilet door I think I’ve ever had to deal with in my life. We woke up pretty fresh after the others had a seriously incredible lie in (I still wake at 5-6 daily). It was a slow start to the day but eventually we were up + exploring the streets of Comayagua, or should I say street, as we only really went around the Central Park. There’s not too much there but I will say it does look super cute! There are some lovely looking restaurants + cafes I’m sure we’d have tried out if we weren’t thinking as much about money.

Megan, Giselle + I bought pots of fruit for 10L (I love this country) then we explored the Central Park + the really quite beautiful white church. The coolest thing about this in my humble opinion was that the floor in front of it was cobbled to look like a reflection of the church, as if it were a pond. We admired this area for a while until 2 old guys started annoying us! One was sweet + we shook hands then he left, whereas the other was a pain in the butt. He even followed us into church attempting to sell us something for a phone until Giselle asked him to leave + we waited + watched him walk down another street.

Of course, we made a trip to a bakery where Giselle + I shared a doughnut + a pack of “garlic bread” that was still pretty tasty. We decided, whilst sitting on the church steps that Comagyagua was not where we wanted to spend New Years + so agreed to take the bus back to Yam.

That’s exactly what we did. We made one last trip to the Central Park so Megan could take out some money + we bought some incredible frozen yogurt which made me miss my blueberry tree in Cambridge but was super tasty. After grabbing all of our backpacks + getting another taxi to the bus stop we were back on the road, + this time it was the road home.

From a little pink house in Yamaranguila,

Charlotte

Travel Tales #7 – Tackling Tegucigalpa

• Tegucigalpa, Honduras

• Hours travelled: 3 hours (más o menos)

• Distance travelled: 199.7km

• Transport: bus + trucks + taxis

• Rating: 6

A month ago I ranted to Giselle about Teguc, saying I’d never have any reason to go there + had no wish to. Well, I’ve now been 3 times + was even informed today my residency has come through so I’ll be going back again this month. I can’t get enough Teguc in my life!

My 1st trip to Teguc (pronounced Tegus) was with my mumma as we needed to make our way there for a flight. I decided we’d travel the day before to make for a more relaxed start to the holiday – although how relaxed it was for me is questionable because I was freaking out the whole time. Early on Sunday we left my house with our massive case + caught the yellow bus heading to town, just as it passed my house. Once at the terminal we found the Tegucigalpa bus + popped into a bakery for a cinnamon swirl (but more importantly a nice toilet). Then it was time to sit on the bus for a good 3 hours, chatting all the way.

Thankfully, my ace neighbours had sorted us out with a taxi, as the two older boys go to uni in Teguc + so know it quite well. The night before we’d rung the taxi man together, been described as gringas + sorted it out. Whilst on the bus I called (crazy) Carlos to let him know we were near, then proceeded to receive multiple calls from the family. Whilst on the bus, with Carlos (where they spoke to Carlos + all I could hear was Carlos saying “relax”) then again at the hotel. It’s safe to say I have a wonderful 2nd family here. Although he was a little into his women (cue random comments like “you must have been really young when you had your daughter”) he did get us safely to the LQ. This was the first taste of luxury I’d had in Honduras + it was ACE. Absolutely the opposite of our usual hotels but really wonderful. For one, the bed was HUGE + super comfy (I had an amazing nights sleep) plus it had an incredible gym. Cue mother-daughter workout!

We were the only ones in there so took full advantage of all the equipment plus the fact I could blare my music out loud + there was a water machine (free water = my life). However, by far the coolest part was that there was a running track around the hotel on the roof. That’s right. I ran around Teguc!

The hotel is really nicely positioned next to a super American mall. It felt pretty weird to be seeing all of these expensive shops + cinnanbon (which I reeaaaally wanted but was too expensive). This gave me the chance to take some money out, eat incredible blueberry + strawberry frozen yogurt + we grabbed yummy dinner in the food court which we ate on the comfort of our queen bed. For a while, I left behind some of the everyday hardships (although these are few) of being a volunteer overseas.

After a truly incredible night in that bed, with a super warm shower too, we made our way to breakfast. Oooh, what a breakfast. Waffles, plantain, all kinds of juice, tea, yogurt, granola, fruit, etc… certainly made my stomach smile!

Then back in another taxi to the airport, where I wore a seatbelt for what could be the 1st time here.

To hear more about my adventure that was the airport in Teguc, read here: https://helpcharlottehelphonduras.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/travel-tales-6-costa-rica/

Our flight back into the country was a lot more chilled, besides the lengthy conversation we had to have at passport control, due to my lack of residency. However, I was eventually stamped back in for another 90 days – woo! We hopped in the taxi I’d arranged + zoomed (literally, he was a slightly mad driver) back to the comfort of Yam.

I spent the next day with my mumma in La Esperanza then, whilst hanging out with the boys, was invited on their family trip to Teguc. The aim? To buy a fridge. I was assured this would be better than me sitting at home alone for the night so packed some things + piled in the back of the truck with all the kiddies. It’s a relatively lengthy trip + seeing as us 2 older girls each had a child between our legs for space purposes, not super comfy. Although, rather embarrassingly, I did fall asleep on their son for the section of the journey from Sigua to Teguc.

Featured below, some pics of Teguc so you can see how freakin’ crowded it is:

Thankfully, the boys live in a really safe, more secluded area close to their university. As we’d stopped in Sigua for chinturon we decided to head out to what can only be described as the “Winter Wonderland” of Teguc. This was pretty incredible (once we eventually worked out how to enter): a food section; a walkway of trees, each with information about different parts of Honduras like Copan + even Intibuca (cue HUNDREDS of family pics at this one); a giant tree in the middle + so many lights. Twinkling lights, flashing lights, strobe lights, dim lights.. both boys ended up getting headaches from looking at them too much! There was a food stop (of course) which I declined but ended up sharing with one of the girls anyways. We then proceed to go off (just the kiddies) + take pictures together. Just as a note; yes I was the only white person there + no I don’t think the fact I wore a cap managed to hide this. Definitely got some looks that night. However, I was with my family, so wasn’t too bothered.

On our wander home I spotted a squash court (though they use the American term of racketball) which reminded me of how many sports I use to play. This was one of the only times I’ve really missed England, just because I crave the ease + variety of sorts available there. Once I’d stopped freaking out + we got home all the single girls crammed into the boys bedroom, which was our sleeping quarters. Being the gringa of the group I was kindly given the single bed whilst the others slept 2 each in the bunk beds.

Commence games of truth or dare, chatting + snuggle parties. I love these kiddies. I was very appreciative of the blanket the family gave me (top tip: never travel without one) + settled down to sleep around 11. The next morning was spent in a similar fashion + you would not believe how long it can take kids to get ready. I headed down to the surprise of a MASSIVE Honduran breakfast featuring beans, cheese, tortillas, meat + more which I struggled through. Then it was time to pack up, though I should have remembered what Hondurans are like with time. We had to wait for all of the girls to have their hair braided + though they are super quick – there’s a lot of hair!!

After the braiding session it was back in the truck to head to a gigantic store. This was somewhere between an IKEA + B&Q in the sense it sold everything from electronics, to clothes, to household goods to sports stuff (big excitement for me in this section). We wandered around whilst that adults looked at fridges + chatted amongst ourselves. I speak some Spanish but this trip really put a strain on my ability, because although the kids all speak a little I was pretty much speaking in a different language constantly. Still, what better way to practice!

Next it was off to the same mall I went to with my mum where we all shared super yummy Pizza Hut. Afterwards we spent much time wandering around, mainly looking at shoe shops, where I just spoke to the kids. After a pretty exhausting day on our feet (one game was who could find a seat in the shops the quickest) we piled back in the truck. It was a starry, partly rainy + cold trip home with a pit stop for a Honduran buffet. The perfect end to the perfect trip with my new family 🙂

I’m sure you’ll hear more about my further ventures in Teguc in time but to sum this up although I was extremely anti-Teguc a month ago, my experiences there have been nothing but positive! We’ll await to see what the future holds (still wouldn’t put it on a list of places I love)…

From the comfort of a little pink house in Yamaranguila,

Charlotte

Travel Tales #6 – Costa Rica

1 day. 3 planes. 4 countries.

• Costa Rica

• Hours travelled: around 5 to get there (just on planes)

• Distance travelled: 977.9 km

• Transport: planes + a car

• Rating: 10🎉

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e to lots of fog in Tegus which the small planes couldn’t deal with, we started off the holiday with a cancelled flight. As my brother would be landing in Costa Rica alone we knew there had to be another way to get to him. This involved us stamping back into Honduras (even though we’d never left) + having a lengthy discussion with the staff. One option was to be put in a hotel then fly the next day, but we didn’t really fancy this. Thankfully, the actually very helpful woman had one other option. A flight to Guatemala, from there to El Salvador, then a final one to Costa Rica. Of course we took this without hestitating.

We’d been in the airport since just after 9 with a flight that was meant to leave at 11:30. Our actual flight we boarded flew at 4:30. To fill in the dull time we went airport shopping (I was treated to a beautiful Honduras top, thanks mumma), I received a call from my Honduran family + FaceTimed my best bud for ages, even whilst going through the long line for security. I guess all the planes that fly around Central America are tiny, because this must have been one of the smallest planes I’ve ever been on in my life. Apart from the terrible turbulence, the trip was fine, with us sharing music + even getting snack boxes – woo! Once in Guat we’d been told to stay on the plane as it was the same one flying to Salvador. Unfortunately this wasn’t the case. This saw us madly running through the airport, clutching shoes, belts, etc in our hands in a mad rush to make the next plane. The next flights were easier + around 9:30 we eventually arrived at our destination: Costa Rica.

Our mini road trip started in San Jose, the capital, where we stayed at an eco hotel that was stuck in the 70s. It was beautiful + we enjoyed spending some time wandering the grounds before piling our things in the car.

Driving through Costa Rica, even if you never left your car, is a huge treat. It’s different to Honduras in the respect it has all of these big, jolly rolling hills whereas Honduras is mountainous in the same way but missing the hills inbetween. In sections you feel like you’re in an old war movie, as the car rattles over bridges surrounded by jungle.

Our 1st location was Volcán Arenal – a certainly most beautiful area. We lucked out + had ace views of the volcano the day we drove in + within the complex our apartment was situated in had a stunning view of the volcano. This was especially appreciated in the morning as I sat outside on the rocking chair, listening to the drizzling of rain. I won’t describe the hotels in large detail but this one featured a pool + breakfast room both of course with views of the volcano + a massive growing plant (?) in our bathroom. They sure like the natural look in Costa.

Here we did an ace walk through a suspension bridge park which was in a rainforest. This adventure resulted in us seeing a monkey + snake very close + personal as well as some of the biggest ants I’d ever seen. Although there was a drizzle of rain it was impossible not to enjoy the day nonetheless + as if that wasn’t enough walking we grabbed some pistachios + snacks + nibbled these in the car at the national park. After this was a hike over an old trail of lava flow that was super fun, even though it poured with rain. Luckily we all had our waterproofs + my GoPro still functions in the rain. Due to us somehow accidentally joining another trail we practically ran back so we could have time to relax in the super warm pool, even getting a drink at the in-pool bar.

On the way to our next destination we went to a coffee + chocolate plantation for a tour. Since I’d been lucky enough to visit the neighbours coffee plantation I wanted to share this with Mum + Brad. It ended up being super informative + a lot of fun, especially when making our own chocolate because we were the only Brits + let’s just say Americans have very different tastebuds… we picked Cacau, tried actual hot chocolate (super bitter) + loooots of coffee. More importantly, we saw a freakin’ SLOTH!! Sid was chilling in a tree whilst we were wandering around 🙂 seeing coffee being roasted reminded me of my old job as a barista back in the uk (not sure how good this is) but the cool thing was the gift shop was shaped like a half Cacau.

Next stop: MonteVerde. This was a small, secluded mountain village that had serious French skiing village vibes. We were extremely fortunate that our hotel room had an absolutely insane view of the Pacific Ocean +, more importantly, the sunset over this which of course I timelapsed. This hotel had a little gym so we worked out as a family (oh yeah) then treated ourselves to a wonderful fish dinner. Oh fish, how I’ve missed you.

I can’t say too much about MonteVerde, as the day we had here we spent chilling + when we eventually got up + ready the national park was only open for another hour. We’d awkwardly driven there + eaten a picnic in the car to be told we couldn’t go in + sadly had to pay to use the loo. Disappointing to say the least – I’ve had bigger travelling successes. For me it was time for a swim in the freeezing cold pool before some Night At The Museum in Spanish – one way to test your language skills. Dinner was at such a funky restaurant in the main town that was built around a ginormous tree!! We really enjoyed it, especially because the food was incredible (but the live music, maybe not so much ;)). What excited me was seeing a huge pile of kale in a supermarket, which I of course sent a picture to Giselle of as we both miss it.

The next day I was able to take an actual bath. My 1st in 5 months. Pure bliss, + one of the very few things I sometimes miss about Cambridge life. After another delicious breakfast we hit the (really very) bumpy road to get us out the mountains. Eventually we were treated to nicer road then ended up at the coast!

Manuel Antonio. This hotel was seriously the place of luxury, + our Christmas present from our wonderful mumma. Did I feel like a volunteer here? Nope! But it was SO lovely, especially to spend time with my family. As a brief description, the hotel was veeery natural (we were treated to seeing iguanas, monkeys + raccoons in it), with absolutely breathtaking views of the ocean. There was greenery, colourful birds + inviting pools everywhere.

We joined in the Christmas meal they put on, meaning we even got to eat turkey on Christmas Eve! Shoutout to the desert room which was incredible. This location saw my mum + I hitting the beach, ping pong, lots of swimming, relaxing (+ reading for me), some of the most wonderful food of my life + obviously getting to spend Christmas with my family. There were more family workouts and a mini hike on Christmas Day as well as going to a BBQ place where I got a gigantic stack of ribs. We even played mini golf together as our Christmas Day game! Although it didn’t feel like Christmas, we all opened some presents in the morning (bet they loved my homemade cards) + spent the day relaxing + even FaceTiming loved ones back in England/Spain (hi to my fam there!).

Our final trip in the car was sadly back to San Jose + to the airport, so my mum + I could head back to Honduras + Brad back to England. It was tough splitting up the family once again but after a veeeery shaky flight I stepped off in Tegus, breathed in that fresh Honduras air, exclaimed “I’m home” + meant it. One taxi ride later we were back in the warmth of the family’s house in Yam, eating baleadas + staying up chatting. Oh Honduras, how I missed you.

Pura Vida from a little pink house in Yamaranguila,

Charlotte x

TRAVEL TIPS

⁃ it’s expensive, take an adult